Transformative Will & Heirship Clinic Empowers Eastern Kentucky Residents

This fall, a transformative opportunity came to Floyd County, Kentucky, at the Floyd County Extension Service, in collaboration with LIKEN's Land & Revenues Program and the Kentucky State University Community Development Office, hosted a free Will & Heirship Clinic at the Floyd County Extension Office. The event provided local residents with a chance to sit down with experienced attorneys and draft or revise their wills at no cost, addressing a critical need in the region.

Addressing Heirs' Property Issues

One of the primary goals of the clinic was to address the ongoing issue of heirs’ property, a common problem in Eastern Kentucky. Heirs’ property occurs when land is passed down through generations without clear legal titles, often leading to fractionalization and disputes among family members. In a region where many families have owned land for generations, the complications surrounding heirs' property can prevent families from accessing important resources like USDA grants for land utilization, and it can also lead to future familial conflict.

The Will & Heirship Clinic sought to tackle these issues head-on. By providing residents with the opportunity to create or update their wills, the clinic helped families preserve land ownership, avoid future property disputes, and take control of their assets for future generations. For many participants, this clinic was not just about drafting a will—it was about ensuring their families could navigate the complexities of estate planning with confidence and clarity.

A Positive Impact on the Community

The response to the clinic was overwhelmingly positive, with 32 individuals in attendance. The results speak to the tangible impact of the event:

• 56% of participants (18 individuals) left the clinic with legally drafted wills, empowering them to make informed decisions about their land and assets.
• Two attendees, who already had wills in place, took the opportunity to update their documents, ensuring their plans were current and reflective of their wishes.
• Two participants received assistance from the Appalachian Heirs' Property Coalition to begin the process of obtaining clear titles for their inherited property, setting them on a path to secure legal ownership.
• 84% of attendees indicated they had questions about heirs' property before attending the clinic, with all 32 participants (100%) strongly agreeing or agreeing that the event addressed their concerns and provided valuable insights.

The Importance of Estate Planning and Legal Access

For many attendees, the clinic was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the importance of estate planning and the availability of affordable local legal services. As residents learned more about the issues surrounding heirs' property, many gained crucial knowledge that will help them protect their family’s legacy and avoid future disputes. The event also made it clear that access to legal assistance can be a game changer, especially for those who may not otherwise have the resources to hire an attorney.

By providing a free, accessible space for Eastern Kentucky residents to address their estate planning needs, the Will & Heirship Clinic helped demystify the legal process and gave attendees the tools they need to secure their families' futures.

Looking Forward

The success of the clinic represents more than just a one-time event—it serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing community efforts to address the unique challenges faced by rural Kentucky residents. With more initiatives like this, we can continue to empower families to protect their land, their property, and their legacy for generations to come.